Description
About 150 species of weedy, often perennial herbs belonging to the aster family (Asteraceae) make up the genus Solidago, which is known as goldenrod. The serrated leaves of goldenrods typically alternate along the stalk. While some species have only one stem and a few branches, others are clumping plants with many stems. Climbing rhizomes allow several species of goldenrod to expand, sometimes quite violently.
Habitat
Though a few species are found in Europe and Asia, the majority are indigenous to North America. There are roughly sixty species of goldenrods, which are typical plants in eastern North America. Scattered throughout nearly every type of environment, including fields, forests, swamps, mountains, and roadsides, they are among the most notable autumn flower displays from the Great Plains to the Atlantic.
Uses
It is edible or ingested for both therapeutic and recreational purposes. Additionally, the leaves and blossoms can be utilized to make topical therapeutic salves and oils for the skin. Chemicals found in goldenrod may help to decrease swelling and improve urine flow. It may also eradicate fungus and bacteria. Numerous ailments, including kidney stones, tooth plaque, UTIs, enlarged prostates, and others, are treated with goldenrod, although these claims are not well-supported by scientific research.
Varieties
It is well known that cultivars disperse less forcefully than their species counterparts. Several well-known species that are native to North America include:
The purplish stems of Solidago caesia, often known as blue-stemmed goldenrod, arch. It makes nice cut flowers and is not a vigorous spreader.
Sweet goldenrod, or Solidago odora, is a 2- to 4-foot plant with yellow flower heads and leaves flavored with anise. It tolerates poor, dry soils well and does not spread aggressively.
Solidago rugosa, also referred to as rough goldenrod, is a three- to five-foot plant that prefers damp environments. ‘Fireworks’ is a well-liked cultivar because of its arcing golden-yellow flowerheads that resemble a skyrocket blowing up.
Solidago speciosa, commonly called showy goldenrod, has dense clusters of tiny yellow blooms and grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet.
Solidago sphacelata, commonly called autumn goldenrod, is a 12- to 24-inch species that has yellow flower plumes held on arching stems.
Golden Fleece, a petite 15–18-inch plant with cylindrical blooms that arch, and Wichita Mountains, a 30-inch plant with rich gold flowers, are two noteworthy cultivars.
Solidago bicolor, sometimes known as white goldenrod, is unique in that its blooms are not the conventional yellow color. Rather, it has white flowers.
A few hybrid cultivars to take into consideration are:
The 2- to 3-foot-tall hybrid Solidago canadensis plant known as “Baby Gold” blooms bright yellow, slightly sooner in the mid- to late summer.
The superb compact cultivar ‘Little Lemon’ (Solidago hybrida ‘Dansolitlem’) has pale lemon blossoms and is 8 to 12 inches in diameter.
Solidago virgaurea, sometimes known as “Peter Pan,” features enormous, spreading flower clusters on 2-foot plants.
Solidago shortii, often known as “Solar Cascade,” is a 2- to 3-foot plant with an abundance of golden flower heads.
Plant Care
- Light
Goldenrod needs direct sunlight to bloom at its best. Although it doesn’t bloom as much in a shaded spot, the plant can endure some shade.
- Soil
Although it doesn’t mind too much about the soil, goldenrod needs an acidic to neutral pH and good drainage. This plant can withstand soils that are clay, stony, or sandy. The plant may become lanky and may topple over in extremely rich soil.
- Water
Water newly planted goldenrod every week to keep the soil moist but not drenched. When rainfall is insufficient, mature goldenrod plants rarely require additional watering since they can withstand drought.
- Temperature and Humidity
While species-specific hardiness ranges vary slightly, most goldenrods grow best in USDA cold hardiness zones 2 through 8, where they tolerate both heat and cold. Humidity is also not a big deal for goldenrod.
- Fertilizer
Since goldenrod plants thrive in poor soil, fertilization is usually not required. However, apply a layer of compost in the spring if the soil is low quality or if you want to give your plants a boost to grow taller.
Over fertilization frequently results in lanky green growth and poor bloom yield.
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